Merson ‘flabbergasted’ by Arsenal move for Vardy

Sarah Winterburn

Paul Merson has been heard talking sense on talkSPORT about Jamie Vardy’s proposed move to Arsenal.

The 24-goal Leicester striker is mulling over a potential £20m move to the Gunners, despite Arsenal’s possession-based game being an odd fit for Vardy’s pace on the counter-attack.

Merson told talkSPORT: “I’m shocked. I’m absolutely flabbergasted with it.

“Arsenal don’t get the ball forward quick enough for Jamie Vardy. No disrespect, but he plays at Leicester where everyone goes and has a go at them.

“Twenty of his goals must have been over the top, balls that he is running on to, beat the goalie and great finish. You play for Arsenal, you kick off and the other team sit ten men behind the ball.

“Leicester suits Jamie Vardy, in my opinion. He is perfect for them. They play his way, they get the ball forward very quickly and he will keep on causing havoc. If he goes to Arsenal, I just don’t see it.

“That is no disrespect to him. I’m not saying he won’t get goals but I don’t think he will get enough opportunities [at Arsenal]. They take too long to get the ball forward.

“I’m not having a go at Vardy. For what he does, he is different class. But you watch him for England the other night [against Portugal] and if you have got ten players behind the ball… I mean [Ricardo] Carvalho looked like Beckenbauer.”

Arsenal are third favourites with with BetBright to win the Premier League next season.